Most hikers head directly to Dominica's Morne Trois Pitons National Park , the expansive rainforest that covers most of the island's southern reaches. Its centrepiece, Boiling Lake , requires a full-day trek, but hitting the park's numerous waterfalls, like Emerald Pool , is easily achieved, even by novice hikers. Divers , in contrast, head to the waterfront south of Roseau where several outfits run trips to impressive underwater craters around Scotts Head and the northern Cabrits National Park 's drop-offs.

A somewhat livelier pace is felt in the island capital, Roseau , which can be also be a good base camp for island activities, as most guesthouses here also organize rainforest treks and sea dives. It's also the only place with any real nightlife to speak of.